Death Fugue

Sheng Keyis' Death Fugue is a lyrical and explosive dystopian satire that imagines a world of manufactured existence, the erasure of personal freedom, and the perils of governmental control. It is banned in China for its taboo allusions to the Tiananmen Square massacre. The novel follows poet Mengliu and his girlfriend Qizi as they join the uprising against the government, but thousands disappear in the brutal crackdown. Years later, Mengliu washes ashore in the idyllic country of Swan Valley, where he discovers the perfect society exists at a deep, inhumane cost.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 19 August 2021
Publisher: Regan Arts

In the dystopian satire "Death Fugue," Sheng Keyi explores a world where personal freedom is erased, and governmental control reigns supreme. Set in the city of Dayang, a nine-story tower of unknown origin suddenly emerges in the heart of Beiping, causing chaos and unrest among the citizens. The government swiftly suppresses any evidence of the incident and declares that questioning is punishable by dissent. However, the crowd in Round Square, eager to witness the Tower Incident firsthand, only grows in size, eventually erupting into violence.

Poet Mengliu and his girlfriend Qizi join the uprising, but the brutal crackdown that follows leads to the disappearance of thousands, including Qizi, who becomes the newly appointed protest leader. Devastated by Qizi's loss, Mengliu renounces poetry and revolution, but he never loses hope that she may still be alive.

Years later, on his annual journey in search of Qizi, Mengliu washes ashore in the idyllic country of Swan Valley, a world of dreamlike beauty, perfection, and youth. However, as he delves deeper into the secrets of Swan Valley, he uncovers a dark and inhumane reality lurking beneath the surface. The perfect society that he had envisioned exists at a profound cost, and Mengliu is forced to confront the moral dilemmas that come with embracing a utopian ideal.

"Death Fugue" is a bold and uncompromising work of art that challenges the status quo. It remains banned in China due to its taboo allusions to the Tiananmen Square massacre, reflecting the ongoing struggle for artistic freedom in modern-day China. The novel serves as a powerful response to the question of what the role of art is after atrocity, offering a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind idealism and the importance of confronting the truth.

Through its vivid imagery, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, "Death Fugue" offers a glimpse into a future where individuality is suppressed, and the state holds absolute power. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of art to inspire change and challenge the status quo.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 140 x 208 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781632062925